Stories

Postal stamps could get far more expensive

Industry analysis of the Postal Service found rates will have to rise significantly to make up for "billions in current losses," per AP. Currently, the Postal Service is not allowed to flexibly raise rates. The House bill only allows for a one-cent increase, but Congress could change that.

Price talk: Rates would have to rise 17.6 percent for letters and packages, or almost 19 percent when including a planned overhaul of the 30-year-old truck fleet, causing prices to rise from 49 cents to nearly 60 cents for a first-class stamp.

Why it matters: Magazines, prescription drugs, election ballots. Industries that rely on bulk-mail rates would be hit hard with a big price increase like this.